Page 206 - Visitor Guides

SAN JOSÉ SITIES
15. Central Park
In 1868, in light of the recently
inaugurated water system in San
José, a fountain was erected in the
main San José plaza, sheltered by
metal beams brought from England.
In 1885, the park was remodeled
again in order to improve the look of
the urban landscape of the capital and
was converted into Central Park. The park is
the heart of the city where the country’s highways
come together and thousands of pedestrians use it as their
starting point en route to their daily activities.
16. The Street Sweeper
Made by the sculptor, Edgar
Zúñiga, it was erected in
Central Park in 2003. It is in
honor of all the city workers in
San José, who we see
cleaning the city’s parks
and streets.
17. Melico Salazar Popular Theater
Its construction was completed in
1928 by the designer José Fabio
Garnier. In the beginning it was
called Raventós Theater, because
of the last name of the owner, and
it offered motion-picture shows.
In the 1980s, to offer homage to
Manuel “Melico” Salazar, one of the
most recognized Costa Rican opera stars,
its name was changed as well as the type of
shows, making room for more popular art forms.
Theater: Guided tours by appointment.
Events: See marquee.
Tel.: (506) 2221-4952 / 2233-5424
18. Carvajal Tristán Bank
The structure is occupied by Carvajal Tristán Bank (BCT).
It was built at the end of the 19th century and is a great
example of the influence of Art Nouveau on Costa Rican
structures of the time.
The building, made of brick with beautiful finished
woodwork inside, adds to the attractiveness of Barrio
Carmen and is presently one of the few examples of this
type of architecture that still exists in San José.
19. La Chola
This bronze work of art was
made by the artist Manuel
Vargas as part of the “Art
in Public Space” project,
sponsored by the City of San
José since 2003. “La Chola”
was erected in 2004.
20. Monument to the farmer
This work of art by Fernando Calvo is dedicated to
the man of the earth, the backbone of the country,
the untiring worker
that has always been
among us, the farmer
of the Central Valley. It
received the “Aquileo
Echeverría” award
from the Ministry of
Culture, Youth,
and Sports in
1982.
USEFUL ADVICE!
When changing your money, use banks or
authorized money exchange outlets. For
bank transactions, you will have to present
your original passport.